Today I said to myself what if I made uneven strips. Then I said what if I overlapped them when I attached them to the next strip. This is what I came up with, a variation on a theme of stacked strips. I'm so excited about the possibilities of this new construction method and the different forms this technique lends itself to making. As I'm typing I'm looking at the form trying to imagine how I'll glaze it, or a style of handle I might add to others I make.
I'll still work with the stacked strips, but this method of construction affords me a more organic shape. This is much more fluid looking, rather voluptuous. The black coloring you see is slip which turned putrid. I added vinegar to the mix and it soured in the container. Not sure this makes a difference after firing, so far it hasn't. The first photo is after the piece dried a bit, this photo was taken right after making.
Right now I plan to experiment with this new construction technique. Just when I was feeling poorly about unexpected results from the last firing. Just when I was feeling poorly about impending dental bills I can't afford, not to mention medical bills I haven't even paid off yet. My life is like a
yo-yo, so high and then so low, then so high again.
Boy playing a terracotta yo-yo
on Greek vase, 440 BC
I just read the world yo-yo contest is held every year in Orlando, Florida. I didn't even know they still had yo-yo's. I guess I lead a sheltered life. I'm thinking back now to my childhood and remembering playing with the yo-yo and enjoying it immensely. I recall it was a relaxing feeling and yet concentration had to be kept to maintain the motion. I might have to get a yo-yo and try my hand again. I think the simple games were so much fun back then;
marbles,
jacks,
jump rope,
hula hoop,
hop scotch, and of course the yo-yo. What childhood games do you recall? Thanks for reading and for all your comments.
I like your new forms- very fluid.
ReplyDeleteI think you might be on to something with these strips.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about how much I was enjoying the black, how it gave a texture and shadowing effect that worked really well with this form. It will burn off in the kiln and doesn't seem to effect the holding power of the slip but you should be certain to wash your hands really, really thoroughly after coming in contact with it.
ReplyDeleteMy sister and I were at a very small craft show over the weekend. Among all the local offerngs a potter who had a good deal of slab work. I was more conversant with his work because of reading your blog. Yes, I bought something, too.
ReplyDeleteYou make such beautiful things. I would like to buy something but the question is whether it is possible to send to Sweden without going broke?
ReplyDeleteHugs
I played all of those games. Marbles and hop scotch were the fans. Like your overlapping strips. Hmm, have you thought about reversing top and bottom? A tall, heavy flower with a thick stem would look terrific, i.e., a hit of Japanese oneness in a vase with an overlapping theme, i.e., one cannot stand alone.
ReplyDeleteMy first impression of these designs was that they seem slightly primitive and voluptuous!
ReplyDeleteI like these overlapping strips!
ReplyDeleteas for games, I loved Chinese jump rope and double Dutch jump rope. Yes, i was a high energy kid that liked to jump!
Love the organic earthy look. And you were right - voluptuous as well. I remember all of those games. Which I suppose dates me. We were basically ushered outside just after breakfast and were not welcome inside again until meal times. The weather had to be truly foul for us to come in.
ReplyDeleteYour new technique looks great, looking forward to seeing more in this series ;^)
ReplyDeleteHi Meredith, thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteHi Dennis, thanks, yep I'm on to a lot of work. Ha.
Hi Lori, thanks, good idea about washing my hands well. I may make one of these with a wash of color to get this same effect.
Hi Joanne, thanks, good for you and him.
Hi Elna, thanks, I will check to see what shipping is and let you know. I think I can use the flat rate shipping.
Hi Kittie, thanks, yes I was thinking of that while I was making it. And a thick stemmed plant would look super in it.
Hi Ms. Sparrow, thanks, you always see something which is a good thing for sure.
Hi Michele, thanks, oh yeah I remember double dutch, don't know about Chinese rope though.
Hi Elephant's Child, thanks, same with me I spent long hours out of doors, glad now back then not always, Ha.
Hi Anna, thanks, you know me, at least now I make more than one of a form. Ha.